Santa’s Roundwood journey

As Christmas approaches, Santa, with the help of his industrious elves and Mrs Claus have created a magical Santa’s journey in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains at Djouce Golf Club. An enchanted train journey on Santa’s North Pole Express sets off from the Ginger Bread Junction where you will laugh and sing your way through the winter wonderland until arriving at the North Pole Station.

Cookie the Elf will guide you towards Mrs Claus Winter Cabin, then on to Santa’s Winter Workshop for a special mini show with the funniest elves, then it’s through the secret passageway to meet Santa himself.

This year children and families will be meeting Santa individually, so you have some family time with him all to yourself.

Santa’s Journey kicked off on November 24 and runs every weekend until Christmas in the beautiful grounds of Djouce Golf Club, Roundwood. You can book online, costing €5 for infants aged 0 to 1 year, €12.50 for adults and €18 for children, which includes a free gift from Santa.

Santa’s Story at Belmont Demesne

Belmont Demesne’s Walled Garden invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting woodlands before arriving at the elf farms, where elves go about their daily tasks, spreading joy and laughter.

Your journey starts at the gates of Belmont Demesne where you can drive through the winter woodlands on a festoon-lit path.

After the elf farms, it’s off to the North Pole Tavern for a hot chocolate or mulled wine and then it’s time to meet the jolly man himself at Santa’s Igloo, where you can share what’s on your Christmas list this year and get your picture taken.

Finish your day by getting comfortable underneath the heated stretch tent to hear the enchanting tales of Mrs Claus’ storytelling. Tickets can be booked at santastory.ie.

Santa’s Grotto at Bridgewater Centre in Arklow

Santa Claus arrived in the Bridgewater Centre last Saturday with his Frozen-themed parade, which arrive via boat and horse drawn carriages.

Santa’s Grotto is located beside the big Christmas tree in the centre area and Santa is looking forward to meeting local girls and boys up until December 23. Tickets can be booked online and prices start at €10 per child and caps at €25 for a booking of three children or more.

Christmas Island at Hidden Valley Holiday Park

Ride the North Pole Express to Christmas Island, where you’ll meet the elves, who will try to bring out your creative side before moving on to Santa’s head elves for some more elf entertainment. Families will depart Christmas Island on Santa’s house boat to make their way to Santa’s Grotto where each family will have a private visit with Santa.

Tickets can be booked online, costing €28.50 per child, €10 per infant and €19.50 per adult.

Santa at Powerscourt House

Santa Claus and Mrs Claus will be coming back to the Avoca store in Powerscourt House, Enniskerry this Christmas. While the adults relax with a coffee or snack in the café, the little ones will be enchanted by Santa and Mrs Claus.

Of course, as well as Santa, there’s gift shopping, food and free parking, plus the Powerscourt Gardens, where you can finish off your visit with a crisp winter walk.

Tickets cost €16 plus a €1.50 booking fee and can be purchased online, with Santa and Ms Claus finishing up on December 23.

Santa at Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Station

Families are invited to visit Santa and Rookie at the grotto from 10am to 6pm on Sunday, December 10, with all proceeds going to support Wicklow RNLI.

Rookie the Reindeer reportedly loves a selfie, and will be looked after by some of Santa’s elves, who have taken time out from making gifts to offer face painting for all children visiting Santa.

Before they left Lapland, they made plenty of gifts for Santa to give to each boy and girl that visits the RNLI grotto.

The event is sponsored by Codling Wind Park and only children need tickets for the fundraiser, costing €11.70. You can reserve a spot at eventbrite.ie.

Wicklow Christmas Market

Wicklow Christmas Market has returned to Wicklow town, and one of the undoubted highlights is the Santa Express train, which will whizz you off to the North Pole to meet Santa and Mrs Claus. Enjoy the ‘Elf n Safety’ show, and experience the Tunnel of Lights, a dazzling display of Christmas lights and decorations. At the North Pole, Santa’s special visitors will be greeted by Santa’s hard working elves who will help the children explore the workshop.

Meet Mrs Claus for a story and a sing-along, before your personal visit to Santa himself and receive your very own gift.

You can also enjoy the funfair, live music, market and the eye-catching Eco Alpine Ski Trail.

Tickets for the Santa Express can be booked online and it runs on December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17.

Santa’s Cabin at Russborough House

You’ll find Santa’s Cabin nestled in the woods on the grounds of Russborough House.

Follow the enchanted woodland trail, passing the Elves Cabin. Strap in to your harness and zip line through the trees. Traverse the low rope obstacle course to earn your cup of hot chocolate before completing your journey to Santa’s Cabin in the woods.

Santa’s Cabin is open weekends from 2.20 p.m. to 8 p.m. from November 24 and will be open daily from December 20 to December 23.